What Is an Anime Figure?

Anime figures are limited edition anime models that originated in the 1980s, including GK (Garage Kit) and PF (PVC Figure) types of static non-articulated models: the former comes from hobbyist activities that use garages as production sites, and nowadays, it usually refers to resin model kits that are not mass-produced, making them expensive; the latter is made from polyvinyl chloride, which is suitable for machine mass production, so it is relatively inexpensive. In a broader sense, figures also include Nendoroids, gashapon, and prize figures.

Anime figures originated in the ACG circle in Japan in the 1980s and are peripheral products of anime, which can also be understood as a combination of anime and toys. Anime figures are derivative toys made based on characters or items from films and anime, originating from Japan and Western countries, and are an important aspect of value development in the anime industry. 

Early on, they became popular as anime peripheral products and were often collected; core categories include randomly selected gashapon and complexly crafted figures. With the globalization of the anime industry, countries like China have gradually developed this industry, while countries like Japan and the US have established mature business models, such as Disney achieving industry circulation through the combination of derivative toys and film works. Domestic company AOXU Animation is attempting to integrate toy production with original content creation, and anime toys are also merging with the gaming industry, leading to mutual traffic between toys and game characters. Industry characteristics focus on originality, interactivity, and fidelity to anime images.